Purpose and Place

"Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).  "I rejoice at thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil... I have kept Thy precepts and Thy testimonies: for all my ways are before Thee" (119:162,168).  "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).  "This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee... There is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist" (Luke 7:27,28). 

For such a time as this we claim

God's purpose in His chosen place,

As Esther trusted in His name,

And thus was guided by His grace. 

Our Savior stands victorious:

The battle for our souls is won,

And He who authored grace in us

Will finish what He has begun.  

How greatly now we may rejoice

As one who finds a treasured spoil,

For in God's Word we hear His voice

Direct His purpose in our toil. 

Our ways are all before the Lord;

He knows the way that He has planned.

We find our purpose and reward

When we obey our Lord's command. 

We hear our Savior's commendation

Of John the Baptist, then in prison,

Who for the Lord made preparation

And thus fulfilled his life's commission.

O Lord, in Esther and in John,

We see their callings recognized; 

Before their time on earth was gone,

Their purposes were realized. 

Lord, guide us daily to this end,

To see Your purpose in our story,

So every moment You extend

Would be redeemed here for Your glory. 

O Lord, above all other goals,

We seek the purpose of Your will

To love You more and care for souls

In every place You lead us still.